Myanmar Spring Chronicle: Escalating Conflict Across Myanmar: Kachin, Karen, and Rakhine
Published by MoeMaKa on March 08, 2024
Reports of intensified fighting have emerged from various regions across Myanmar, with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) launching offensives in Kachin State, the Arakan Army (AA) seizing control of Ponnagyun in Rakhine State, and the Karen National Union (KNU) initiating attacks near Myawaddy in Karen State.
In Kachin State, the KIA launched coordinated attacks targeting military bases along the Bhamo and Myitkyina-Bhamo highway, close to the border with China. Notably, the KIA intercepted and killed Lisu militia leader U Shwe Min, signaling the group’s aggressive stance in reclaiming strategic territories. The KIA’s objective appears to be securing military bases and disrupting the military council’s efforts to reinforce its presence in the region.
Meanwhile, the military council has retaliated with airstrikes and heavy artillery, including attacks on Laiza, the headquarters of the KIA. Despite concerns over potential spillover into Chinese territory, reports indicate that artillery shells have landed on the Chinese side, raising tensions in the border region.
The conflict in Kachin State underscores the divergent strategies employed by ethnic armed groups across Myanmar. Unlike the 3 Brotherhood Alliance in Northern Shan State, which targets cities, the KIA’s focus remains on military installations, suggesting a nuanced approach to territorial control.
In Rakhine State, the AA’s capture of Ponnagyun and subsequent advances towards Sittwe, the state capital, have prompted the evacuation of international humanitarian aid organizations and residents alike. The military council’s crackdown on Rakhine youths returning from Yangon further exacerbates tensions, signaling heightened security measures in anticipation of further clashes.
In Karen State, the KNU and allied forces have targeted military council battalions near Thin Gan Nyi Naung Village, posing a significant challenge to the military council’s authority in the region. Despite previous offensives in Kawkareik, the KNU has yet to fully capture the city, underscoring the resilience of ethnic armed groups in the face of government resistance.
The escalation of conflict across Kachin, Karen, and Rakhine States reflects the deteriorating security situation in Myanmar, with ethnic armed groups gaining ground against the military council. As the violence persists, concerns mount over the humanitarian impact on civilians and the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.